The complete Freedom From Chronic Pain practitioner training, on demand. The same eight modules and 24 hours of content as the live training, taught by Professor Howard Schubiner MD and Hal Greenham. 16 CE/CME credits · 12 months access · Start today
Enroll in the On-Demand training
Prof. Howard Schubiner MD, FACPCo-clinical Director & Cofounder (USA)
Hal Greenham BSc (Psych), BA, Somatic PsychotherapistCo-clinical Director & Cofounder (Australia)
APA CE
AMA PRA Category 1
Prof. Howard Schubiner speaking at Google: The Reign of Pain Lies Mainly in the Brain. An introduction to the model this training teaches you to apply.
You already know this model works better than existing chronic pain treatments which don’t improve the pain. But applying it is the harder part.
Many practitioners who come to this training have had their own chronic pain to overcome. Months or years of scans, specialists and management plans that never quite resolved anything. Then a book, a podcast, or a colleague who mentioned neuroplastic pain, and something shifted.
Right now there are far more people living with chronic pain and neuroplastic symptoms than there are practitioners trained to treat them. And as cost of living pressures, social and political tensions and rising rates of trauma and mental illness continue to build, that gap is widening.
So the concept is not the obstacle. The application is.
You have looked at Schubiner’s work. You have looked at PRT, and maybe EAET. You have tried pieces of it, with yourself or with your patients, and seen it start to work. But you are assembling techniques rather than working from a framework. And when someone arrives holding an MRI report and a diagnosis from a specialist, helping them understand that their pain is neuroplastic takes more than conviction. It takes training.
Then there is the isolation. Many practitioners in this field cannot name one colleague locally who understands it. There is no one to ask when a case does not respond, when the pain comes back between sessions, or when you are genuinely unsure whether what you are looking at is neuroplastic or structural.
None of that is a knowledge gap. It is a confidence gap. It closes with a diagnostic framework you can trust, a structured treatment approach, and a community of practitioners on hand when a client is difficult.
This is not alternative medicine. It is peer-reviewed, and the evidence base is growing.
Veterans achieving at least 30% pain reduction with Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy, compared with CBT. At 50% pain reduction: 35% versus 7%. Participants averaged 72 years of age and 24 years of pain.
Yarns et al, VA hospital system
Of 222 patients with chronic neck and back pain, all with abnormalities visible on MRI, the proportion identified as having primary, non-structural pain when the FIT criteria were applied.
Lowry et al
The Lumley and Schubiner fibromyalgia trial was the first study to show one psychological intervention for chronic pain superior to another. At six months, 22% achieved more than 50% pain reduction versus 8% for CBT.
Lumley & Schubiner et al (2017), Pain, 158(12)
Around 80% of chronic pain presentations are neuroplastic rather than structural.
What changes in your practice
Diagnose with confidence, including when the imaging looks bad.
Apply the FIT criteria to distinguish neuroplastic from structural presentations, including in patients who have already been given a structural diagnosis.
Show a patient their symptoms are neural circuit driven, in the room.
Use provocative testing and neural circuit testing to produce evidence the patient can feel, rather than an explanation they have to accept on faith.
Have the difficult conversation without losing the patient.
Introduce the neuroplastic model to someone who has been told they have degenerative changes, in a way that validates their experience rather than dismissing it.
Know when PRT is not enough, and what to do next.
Recognize when emotional processes are sustaining the symptoms, and move towards EAET and parts work with a clear rationale.
Work from a treatment structure, not a collection of techniques.
Sequence education, reprocessing and emotional work across a course of treatment rather than improvising session by session.
When Pain Reprocessing Therapy alone isn’t enough
EAET and IFS-informed approaches included
Pain Reprocessing Therapy is a powerful intervention and it forms two full modules of this training. For many patients it is sufficient on its own.
For some, it isn’t. The pain reduces in session and returns between appointments. The patient understands the model intellectually but their nervous system doesn’t shift. Or they score clearly on the FIT criteria and still cannot let go of the structural explanation.
At that point you need somewhere to go. If PRT is the only tool you have, that is where treatment stalls, and it is the most common clinical dead end practitioners describe to us.
This training is built for that moment. Prof. Howard Schubiner brings Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy, developed with Mark Lumley and supported by a growing body of trial evidence. Hal Greenham brings the psychotherapeutic layer: working with inner conflict, with parts and defences, and with the emotional processes that sustain symptoms after the pain signal itself has been addressed.
You finish with a comprehensive overview of neuroplastic therapy, not just techniques. Educate, diagnose, reprocess, and when reprocessing isn’t enough, work with what sits underneath it.
What’s included
- 8 modules, 24 hours of required content, plus optional additional material each week
- 16 CE/CME credits
- Pain neuroscience education
- Pain Reprocessing Therapy across two modules
- Introduction to Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy
- Parts work, and an introduction to IFS-informed approaches to chronic pain
- The FIT criteria diagnostic framework
- 12 weeks in the clinical forum with the senior clinical team
- A pathway into the FFCP Professional Development Program and certification
The eight modules
- From pain management to recovery: the neuroscience of the mindbody revolution in chronic pain treatment
- Fundamentals of diagnosis and patient education
- Pain Reprocessing Therapy 1: graded exposure and desensitization
- Pain Reprocessing Therapy 2: mindfulness and somatic tracking
- Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET)
- Going deeper: understanding and working with somatic symptoms of psychological origin
- Practical tools to resolve inner conflict: critical parents and inner children
- Meeting and defusing protectors and defences: an introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) insights in treating chronic pain
Clinical presentations covered in the training
Musculoskeletal pain
- Back pain, including most disc bulges and degenerative changes
- Neck pain, including most disc bulges and degenerative changes
- Other musculoskeletal pain
- RSI
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Some arthritic conditions
Headache and nerve pain
- Chronic headaches
- Migraine
- CRPS
- RSD
Digestive and urinary
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Irritable bladder syndrome
- Some interstitial cystitis presentations
Other presentations
- Many eczema and skin conditions
- Some endometriosis presentations
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Other medically unexplained chronic pain
- Other medically unexplained chronic fatigue
Not every presentation is suitable. The training covers how to assess suitability and apply neuroplastic treatment principles where medically appropriate. Several of the presentations above carry exclusions, and learning to identify them is part of the training.
See the full exclusions list
These exclusions are taught as part of the assessment process. They are not clinical guidance for the public.
Back pain
Not suitable where examination has identified neurological impairment. Patients should be medically assessed to exclude other disease processes before beginning this approach. Suitability is assessed using the FIT criteria, which this training covers in detail.
Neck pain
Not suitable where examination has identified neurological impairment. Patients should be medically assessed to exclude other disease processes before beginning this approach. Suitability is assessed using the FIT criteria, which this training covers in detail.
Other musculoskeletal pain
Not suitable where examination has identified an organic or structural cause for the pain. Patients should be medically assessed to exclude other disease processes before beginning this approach. Suitability is assessed using the FIT criteria, which this training covers in detail.
Chronic headaches
Not suitable where examination has identified an organic or structural cause for the headaches. Patients should be medically assessed to exclude other disease processes before beginning this approach. Suitability is assessed using the FIT criteria, which this training covers in detail.
Migraine
Not suitable where examination has identified an organic or structural cause for the migraines. Patients should be medically assessed to exclude other disease processes before beginning this approach. Suitability is assessed using the FIT criteria, which this training covers in detail.
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Where examination has identified an organic or structural cause, this approach is not appropriate on its own. Patients should be medically assessed to exclude other disease processes before beginning this approach. Suitability is assessed using the FIT criteria, which this training covers in detail.
Irritable bladder syndrome
Where examination has identified an organic or structural cause, this approach is not appropriate on its own. Patients should be medically assessed to exclude other disease processes before beginning this approach. Suitability is assessed using the FIT criteria, which this training covers in detail.
CRPS
Where examination has identified an organic or structural cause, this approach is not appropriate on its own. Patients should be medically assessed to exclude other disease processes before beginning this approach. Suitability is assessed using the FIT criteria, which this training covers in detail.
Who you will be learning from
Clinical Professor in Internal Medicine at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and previously a Professor at Wayne State University for 18 years.
He has authored more than 100 publications in scientific journals and books, given over 500 lectures internationally, and consulted for the American Medical Association, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Mental Health. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society for Adolescent Medicine.
Howard is a leader in mind-body medicine and has published research showing that mind-body therapies are effective for fibromyalgia, whiplash, back and neck pain, myofascial pain, TMJ syndrome, tension and migraine headaches, IBS, irritable bladder syndrome, insomnia and anxiety.
Read full bio
Co-clinical Director & Cofounder
After recovering from chronic pain through a mindbody intervention, Hal retrained, studying psychology and several schools of psychotherapy, and now specializes in helping others do the same.
He has 15 years of clinical experience treating chronic pain and fatigue syndromes, combining neuroplasticity and psychotherapy approaches.
Hal has been an invited speaker at the AIMA Conference and the Metagenics International Congress on Natural Medicine. With Prof. Schubiner he has delivered a live webinar series for the Shift Network (USA), and has co-led nine previous live trainings for Freedom From Chronic Pain.
Osteopathic physician boarded in Family Medicine and Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, with advanced certification in Pain Reprocessing Therapy. He began working with chronic pain and neuroplastic symptoms in 2012 during his residency and fellowship with Dr Schubiner, and in 2018 left traditional medical practice to found the Center for Insight Medicine. He is currently working on the PUPPY trial, a follow-up to the original PRT trial.
Osteopathic physician board-certified in Family Medicine/OMT and Sports Medicine. She treats chronic pain and medically unexplained symptoms using PRT, EAET and integrative hypnotherapy. She left traditional medicine in 2023 to found Serenity Osteopathic Medicine and continues to practice sports medicine as a team physician with US Figure Skating.
The faculty are available in the practitioner forum, alongside senior clinical team member Lisa Branigan.
From practitioners who have done the training
“This course was full of detail and educational material that focuses on a different approach to treating those with chronic pain. It integrates mind and body medicine and has the ability to change the lives of those living with chronic pain. It is expertly presented and taught by practitioners who are caring and passionate about educating and teaching others to continue this work. I cannot recommend this course highly enough.”
Dr Murray Grave
VIC, Australia
“The practitioner training course provides a comprehensive level of training to assist in identifying patients with mind body illness and coaching them through a program to assist them in recovering from many difficult to treat chronic illnesses. Dr Schubiner and Hal Greenham presented an amazing course with dedication and humour.”
Dr Liz Birkby
NSW, Australia
“After taking this training I feel better equipped to both diagnose and treat chronic mind-body symptoms and now have various interventions (IFS, EAET, PRT) for joining with others along their healing journey and offering expert guidance and clarity.”
Elena Crisp
Psychotherapist / LICSW, MA, USA
“Having been a PRT practitioner for almost 2 years, this course gave me more tools to go deeper with the science as well as emotional work with the patients.”
Laurie Friedman
Coach, Maryland, USA
Is this training right for you?
This is for you if
- You are a medical or health professional working with chronic pain or related syndromes: doctors, psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, naturopaths, certified coaches or expressive arts therapists.
- You want a diagnostic framework you can apply, not just a theoretical understanding of the model.
- You are willing to do the experiential work yourself. The training includes personal process, not only didactic learning.
- You want to work within a community of practitioners rather than in isolation.
- You want to start now and fit the training around your practice, rather than wait for the next live cohort.
This is not for you if
- You are looking for a qualification that replaces medical or psychotherapy training. This course develops capacity within your existing profession. It does not create a new scope of practice.
- You want a quick set of techniques. This approach takes genuine effort and is not a quick fix.
- You are not able to set aside regular time each week to work through the recorded material.
How the On-Demand training works
Your training, on your schedule
- Start: straight after you enroll
- Format: eight recorded modules, 24 hours of required content, plus optional additional material
- Time to complete: 12 months. Some practitioners finish in just over eight weeks, others take the whole year
- Suggested pace: around three hours a week, at a regular time each week
- Support: the clinical discussion forum with the senior clinical team, and the course buddy program
What’s included
- 12 months access to all course materials
- 12 weeks access to the clinical discussion forum, attended by the senior clinical team
- Certificate of attendance
- Option to join the practitioner directory after completion (conditions apply)
- Eligibility for the Professional Development Program and the Certified Clinical Neuroplasticity Practitioner pathway
16 CE/CME credits
Certificate of attendance and continuing education / professional development credits
- Certificate of attendance provided (exam score of 75% or above required)
- USA physicians, social workers and psychologists can claim 16 hours of credit
- Australian psychologists can claim CPD points under the APS self-assessment of CPD scheme
- Australian social workers can claim CPD points under the AASW self-assessment of CPD scheme
CEUs are available for the On-Demand training. A multiple choice 85 question CEU post-test exam grade of 75% or above is required.
On-Demand participants have 12 months to complete the training and the post-test.
Please email us if you would like to know more.
Full accreditation and credit designation statements
Joint Accreditation Statement. In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and Freedom From Chronic Pain. Postgraduate Institute for Medicine is jointly accredited by the ACCME, ACPE and ANCC to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physician Continuing Medical Education. The Postgraduate Institute for Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
Continuing Psychologist Education. CE credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the APA Office of Continuing Education in Psychology. This program offers 16 continuing education credits for psychologists.
Continuing Social Work Education. Postgraduate Institute for Medicine is approved to offer social work continuing education by the ASWB ACE program. Social workers completing this course receive 16 clinical continuing education credits.
Disclosure. Consistent with ACCME Standards, speakers are expected to disclose any economic or personal interests that create, or may be perceived as creating, a conflict related to the material discussed.
Enroll in the On-Demand training
Choose your enrollment
Pay in fullOne payment
$897
Enroll →
Pay in full + 16 CE/CME creditsOne payment · includes the CEU post-test
$997
Enroll →
Payment planThree monthly payments
$315/mo
Enroll →
Payment plan + 16 CE/CME creditsThree monthly payments
$349/mo
Enroll →
- The full training with Prof. Howard Schubiner and Hal Greenham, recorded
- Eight modules, 24 hours of required content plus optional material
- Start straight away and work at your own pace
- 12 months access to all course materials
- 12 weeks in the clinical forum with the senior clinical team
- The course buddy program
- Certificate of attendance
- Eligibility for the practitioner directory and certification pathway
All prices in USD. VAT is added automatically at checkout for participants in Europe. A 10% discount is available for multiple licenses. Contact admin@freedomfromchronicpain.com for a code.
Frequently asked questions
Will this work for my profession specifically?
The training is designed for medical and health professionals working with chronic pain and related conditions: doctors, psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, naturopaths, certified coaches and expressive arts therapists.
There is no prerequisite qualification to enroll. Anyone can take the training and complete it.
What we do recommend is that you have a clinical, therapeutic or coaching training behind you before you begin working with clients using this approach. This course teaches you to identify and treat neuroplastic symptoms. It does not teach you how to hold a therapeutic relationship, work with risk, or operate within a scope of practice, and those come from your primary training. Practitioners who bring an existing professional foundation to this work get more from it, and their clients are better protected.
How much time does it take?
There are 24 hours of required content across eight modules, plus optional additional material if you want to go further.
You have 12 months to complete it. Some practitioners finish in just over eight weeks, others take the whole year. Most find that setting aside around three hours at a regular time each week keeps them moving.
Is there anything I need to attend live?
No. Everything is recorded, so you can work through it whenever suits you. You can bring questions and cases to the clinical discussion forum, where the senior clinical team responds, for 12 weeks from your enrollment date.
How is this different from PRT training?
Pain Reprocessing Therapy is a valuable intervention and it forms two full modules of this training. But PRT does not work for everyone. When emotional processes are sustaining the symptoms, reprocessing the pain signal alone is not enough, and that is where treatment tends to stall.
This training covers PRT alongside diagnosis using the FIT criteria, pain neuroscience education, Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy, and an introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed approaches to chronic pain. You finish with a treatment sequence rather than a single technique.
It suits practitioners who want to extend an existing PRT training, and equally those who have never studied PRT before. No prior PRT knowledge is assumed.
Is this enough on its own, or do I need the Professional Development Program too?
The training is complete in itself. You finish with the diagnostic framework and the treatment approach, and you can start applying both.
Many graduates also continue into our Professional Development Program, which includes a discussion forum with our senior clinical team. The PD Program is also the pathway to Clinical Neuroplasticity Practitioner 1 certification. It is where you can ask questions and deepen your practice.
Your first three months are included with the training. After that it is USD $120 per quarter, and you can cancel at any time.
What if my patients have structural diagnoses and find it difficult to accept that their pain may be neuroplastic?
This is one of the things we spend the most time on, because it is the obstacle practitioners hit most often.
You will learn to apply the FIT criteria to distinguish neuroplastic from structural presentations. You will also learn to use provocative testing to demonstrate to a patient, within the session, that their symptoms are neural circuit driven. Evidence a patient can feel is more persuasive than any explanation you can give them.
Modules 2 and 6 cover how to have this conversation in a way that validates a patient’s experience rather than dismissing it.
Can I switch between Live and On-Demand?
Do I get a certificate?
How long do I have access?
Can I share this with colleagues in my practice?
Start your training today
A diagnostic framework you can apply from your next appointment.
A treatment sequence that keeps working when reprocessing alone doesn’t.
A community of practitioners, and a pathway beyond the training.
This training is professional education for qualified practitioners and students. It is not medical advice for the public and does not replace medical assessment. Not every presentation is suitable; assessment and exclusions are part of the training.
References
- Lumley, M.A. & Schubiner, H. (2019). Psychological Therapy for Centralized Pain. Psychosomatic Medicine, V81, 114-124.
- Lumley, M.A. & Schubiner, H. (2019). Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy for Chronic Pain. Current Rheumatology Reports 21:30.
- Lumley, M.A. & Schubiner, H. et al (2017). Pain, 158(12):2354-2363.
- Hsu MC et al. (2010). Journal of General Internal Medicine, 25(10):1064-70.
- Burger AJ, Lumley MA, Carty JN, et al. (2016). Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 81:1-8.
- Hsu, M.C. & Schubiner, H. (2010). Pain Medicine, 11(6):977-980.
- Annotated Bibliography for Psychophysiologic Disorders and Chronic Pain
Refund and cancellation policy
Prefer to learn live?
Live trainings run twice a year, with weekly sessions on Zoom and breakout rooms. Join the waitlist and we’ll let you know when dates are released for the next one in April 2027.